What life was like in the trenches in WW1?

On the Western Front, the war was fought by soldiers in trenches. Trenches were long, narrow ditches dug into the ground where soldiers lived. They were very muddy, uncomfortable and the toilets overflowed. These conditions caused some soldiers to develop medical problems such as trench foot.

Is there any documentary on World War 1?

Long Shadow. In this acclaimed BBC documentary, professor David Reynolds traces the legacy of World War I through 100 years and across 10 different countries, examining how the Great War haunted a generation and shaped the peace that followed.

Are there still bodies in WW1 trenches?

Bodies of 125 WW1 soldiers found entombed in perfectly preserved trench 101 YEARS after their deaths. The bodies of 125 World War One soldiers have been discovered entombed in a perfectly preserved German trench system 101 years after they were killed.

Why were dead bodies stacked in the trenches ww1?

If the area had seen a lot of action, No Man’s Land would be full of broken and abandoned military equipment. After an attack No Man’s Land would also contain a large number of bodies. Some soldiers who were wounded did not make it back to their trenches and could not be retrieved.

How did they deal with rats in the trenches?

With no proper disposal system the rats would feast off food scraps. The rats grew bigger and bolder and would even steal food from a soldier’s hand. But for some soldiers the rats became their friends. They captured them and kept them as pets, bringing a brief reprisal from the horror which lay all around.

How did soldiers get rid of trench rats?

Cats and terriers were kept by soldiers in the frontline trenches to help free them of disease-carrying rats. The terriers were actually very effective in killing rats. They don’t play with their prey like cats do. They kill immediately.

What was trench life in World War 1?

Life in the trenches during the First World War took many forms, and varied widely from sector to sector and from front to front. Undoubtedly, it was entirely unexpected for those eager thousands who signed up for war in August 1914.

What were the trenches like in WWI?

In WWI the trenches were home to some fierce battles. More than 6,000 miles of trenches were dug, with the average trench being 10 feet deep and six feet wide. Trenches were usually dug out, with wood or metal holding up the sides. Sometimes more expensive material, like stone, was used.

How would you describe life in trenches?

Life in the trenches. Life in the trenches was difficult for the soldiers. They were infested with rats year-round, and in the winter, the trenches filled with mud and ice. The soldiers were often cold and wet, hungry and exhausted. To make matters worse, they knew they could be attacked at any moment.

What did trench warfare cause?

The direct effect of trench warfare was placed on the soldiers. The conditions they went through day after day were horrible. The trenches were infested with rats, frogs, lice, and many diseases. Dead bodies filled these ditches and contributed to the disease spread among the men.